El concepto de sociedad en la obra de Michael Mann

Elementos para una crítica.

Abstract

In this critique, some weaknesses of Manns theory are criticized, centered in a stile of argumentation characterized by the simplification of the position of his two main theoretical opponents, the systemic position (from Parsons to Luhm3nn) and some tributary approach of historic materialism. In general terms, the author tries to demonstrate that the British author includes -in discussing the «unitary» categorization of society- elements logically different, that takes him to construct a «stooge» where it is difficult to distinguish between the author's characteristics from their critics. After briefly presenting Manns position, the author partially accepts his objections to an evolutionist approach, the Parsons stile. After, and inspired by the debt with the critic of Cris Wickhman, the author sustains that his argument about «limits» is trivially true, and therefore would be acc':lptable to marxists, weberians and all kind of systemic researchers. Finally the author discusses «final primacy» where he defends the idea that only an expert can find the difference between any credible system and Manns thesis.